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In his 38 years of life, Stedman Elementary school's new principal Michael Atkins has spent more than 30 as a part of the Denver public schools system.

His first job was as a student, with no plans to stick around after graduation.

"Growing up in Park Hill, there wasn't many positive influences and or opportunities in the neighborhood. So therefore, I didn't really have any aspirations to be in education."

But his dreams changed.

As he checks each classroom, cleaned and ready for the upcoming school year. The instructions he gives his custodian are not just coming from a place of management, but from experience during Atkins' second job with DPS.

"I was the part-time custodian at Smiley Middle School, which is now McAuliffe right up the street," said Atkins.

Part-time became full-time and Atkins enjoyed his work.

"There were times definitely where I got comfortable within my custodial position," said Atkins.

But he wanted something more.

So at a time when just 2 percent of educators in the U.S. are African American men, Atkins saw an opportunity to be something he needed as a student, a male role model.

"A lot of my African American male students remind me of me. not to say that they're coming from the same situation that I came from: a household of a single mother, only engaging with my father once in my life," said Atkins. "So, not really having that rock, but needing that rock often in that time."

As he reflects on his journey from custodian to principal, Atkins remembers his grandmother's wise words.

"Don't let someone write your story, make sure you write your own story. and if someone has something to do with your story let them edit it, do not let them create it," said Atkins.

As Atkins prepares for a new school year, and yet another DPS position, he hopes to help edit dozens of unique stories, that each student will carry with them as they walk through these doors.